No one believed him that the monsters were real. His uncle grew frustrated and impatient with the nighttime fears the boy should long have outgrown. His aunt was more sympathetic and well-intentioned, but she dismissed them as being merely nightmares.

Only he knew that, at night, the truths always revealed themselves.

After the lights went out and all was dark, the silence of his room was broken by quiet scratching and moans. He covered his ears against the screeches, but they grew louder and louder until they filled the air, and he could feel them even in his lungs.

Then, when a scream threatened to burst forth from his throat, and he could bear it no longer, there was silence. Not one sound. It was the same disquieting nothingness as in a forest filled with animals that sensed a new predator.

The monsters were still, but he knew they were there.

He uncapped his ears and glanced at his little sister, asleep in the bed next to his. Quiet and undisturbed, she’d slept through it all. He envied her peaceful slumber; she always looked like an angel.

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Top customer reviews

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I liked this short story but felt that the author should have given us a bit more history behind the main character and his fears! Without that it's difficult to understand why he is so afraid of everything! With just a few more details at the beginning this would be a five star review!

The author creates imagery that is simultaneously beautifully and frightening. This chilling tale belongs in a Guillermo del Toro movie. Unfortunately, I can't say much more without giving away spoilers. So I'll simply say that this story is well worth your time and the images will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

SPOILER ALERT BELOW:I read that the author wrote this story, due to a nightmare that she had....and I can see EXACTLY why it was a nightmare....This is a sad, sweet, scary story of a little boy who lives with his aunt, uncle, and little sister, due to his parents not being with him any longer (thought we can only guess as to why)......There are creatures under his bed, and a witch in the wall that "unzips" her way out.....the witch manipulates him into wishing for no fear, which in return comes back to bite him when he REALLY DOES need fear...especially for the witch......The end is so sad, and I agree with other reviews, that it leaves you wanting to know "why" and "what happens"....but, that is for you to decide.....if you were to read the authors notes at the beginning, she even tells you that she would like to know more/less how you would continue with the story.....I was very amuzed with this short story, and I would definetly recommend it for someone to read when they have 30 minutes or so to spare.....the only reason I gave it 4 out of 5 stars, is because I wish it were a little more detailed....tell how the parents died, tell why the uncle "moans" down the hall (how did he die??) to make the story even more horrific, it would have been better to have been more detailed...but all in all, it was GOOD :)